Facing Emergency Surgery After Minneapolis School Shooting, 13-Year-Old Asked His Surgeon for Just One Thing

A tragic event unfolded on Wednesday, August 27, at the Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis, where a mass shooting took place. The shooter, identified as 23-year-old Robin Westman, opened fire during the church service, killing two children and injuring 18 others. Among the injured victims was 13-year-old Endre Gunter, who showed immense strength and faith when he asked his surgeon to say a prayer with him before undergoing emergency surgery. Endre’s family set up a GoFundMe page to help cover his medical expenses, which has raised over $19,000 so far.

The chaotic scene at the church saw Endre and other students attending a back-to-school Mass when shots rang out around 8:30 a.m. Endre was hit twice in the stomach as bullets came through the church’s windows. Despite the terrifying ordeal, a Minneapolis police officer provided aid to Endre and prayed with him before he was rushed into surgery. Meanwhile, the shooter, Robin Westman, used multiple firearms to carry out the attack and later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

City officials revealed that the total number of injured victims had reached 18, with the devastating loss of two young lives aged 8 and 10. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, with Westman stating in a now-removed YouTube video that it was not driven by racism or white supremacy but rather a personal compulsion. Disturbing details emerged from the video, showing images of Jesus on shooting targets and messages containing hateful and antisemitic remarks.

Endre’s family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and shared that he is now recovering in the hospital surrounded by loved ones and a dedicated medical team. The road to recovery will be long, and the donations received will go towards covering medical expenses, rehabilitation, trauma counseling, and supporting Endre’s immediate family. The family extended their thoughts and prayers to all the victims and families affected by this tragic event.

Among the wounded victims is 12-year-old Sophia Forchas, who also underwent emergency surgery and is currently recovering in the ICU. The community continues to come to terms with the senseless violence that unfolded at the church, with 10-year-old Weston Halsne recounting how his friend shielded him from the bullets during the attack. The bravery and resilience shown by the victims and their families serve as a reminder of the strength of the human spirit in the face of such tragedy.

As the authorities investigate the incident as a potential case of domestic terrorism and a hate crime targeting Catholics, the community remains united in support of the victims and their families. The repercussions of this unfathomable act of violence have shaken the Minneapolis community to its core, highlighting the urgent need for unity and compassion in the face of adversity. Endre’s courage and faith in the darkest of moments serve as a beacon of hope in the midst of tragedy, reminding us of the resilience of the human spirit in times of crisis.